February 21, 2026 | 07:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed the reason why Indonesia was appointed as the deputy commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. Previously, Indonesia was designated by the Board of Peace as the deputy commander for the mission in the Palestinian territory, while the United States held the position of commander.
Indonesia has committed to sending 8,000 troops to Gaza, more than any other country involved in ISF. According to Sugiono, the country with the largest number of troops is typically mandated to command the joint forces.
However, Sugiono stated that the position of commander for the mission in Gaza was already held by the U.S. Meanwhile, Indonesia obtained the position of deputy commander of operations, one of the three deputy commander positions in ISF.
"Because the Indonesian troops are also the largest there, this deputy commander for operations is also something that honors and appreciates Indonesia's track record," said Sugiono in a virtual press release on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Furthermore, Sugiono claimed that the track record of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) also contributed to Indonesia's appointment as the deputy commander of ISF. "Then the reputation of Indonesian soldiers in various peacekeeping fields," he added.
Sugiono believes that the strategic position in ISF could enable Indonesia to make a greater contribution to the welfare of the Palestinian people. "I think this position will also facilitate what we aim and intend to do by sending troops to ISF," said the minister.
The plan to send a joint ISF force to Gaza was previously announced at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace. The conference took place in Washington, D.C., and was attended by leaders of member countries, including President Prabowo Subianto. The meeting was also attended by the Chair of the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG) Ali Shaath.
Nickolay Mladenov, the director-general of the Board of Peace, stated that the reconstruction of Gaza depends on disarmament. "There is no other choice but full demilitarization and the disarmament of all weapons in Gaza so that reconstruction can begin and the Palestinian people can have a new way of life ahead," said Mladenov.
Hamas, an armed group in Gaza, stated that the Palestinian movement will not surrender its weapons or accept foreign intervention in Gaza. They rejected the demands of the U.S. and Israel.
"Criminalizing resistance, its weapons, and those who carry it out is unacceptable," said Khaled Meshaal, a senior leader of Hamas, at a conference in Doha as quoted from Al Arabiya on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Dewi Rina Cahyani and Sita Planasari contributed to this article
Read: No Military Operations for Indonesian Troops in Gaza, Says Minister
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